Donna Douglas - IMDb IMDb Actress | Soundtrack An honest-to-goodness Southern Belle, similar to her most famous character role, "Elly May Clampett" on The Beverly Hillbillies (1962), Donna Douglas grew up in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area, loving "critters". She got married soon after high school, had a son, divorced and won a couple of beauty contests, all within the span of a few years. She... See full bio » Born: a list of 45 people created 05 Jun 2013 a list of 34 people created 16 Apr 2014 a list of 30 images created 25 Nov 2014 a list of 35 images created 21 Sep 2015 a list of 48 people created 21 Dec 2015 Do you have a demo reel? Add it to your IMDbPage How much of Donna Douglas's work have you seen?

User Polls The Beverly Hillbillies Elly May Clampett (1962-1971) Lover Come Back Deborah, Peter's Secretary (1961) 1999 The Nanny (TV Series) Donna Douglas 1978-1979 Project U.F.O. (TV Series) Mrs. Ferrell / Wendy 1974 McMillan & Wife (TV Series) Rita 1970-1973 Love, American Style (TV Series) Annabelle (segment "Love and the Love Kit") / Gloria Gilchrest (segment "Love and the Other Guy") 1972 Night Gallery (TV Series) Mildred McVane (segment "Last Rites for a Dead Druid") 1964 The Defenders (TV Series) Mary Andrews 1962 Sam Benedict (TV Series) Francine 1961-1962 Mister Ed (TV Series) Girl / Blanche / Jane Parker 1961 Dr.

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(performer: "Jingle Bells", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas") Hide 2005 Biography (TV Series documentary) Herself 2004 TV Land's Top Ten (TV Series documentary) Herself 2001 E! True Hollywood Story (TV Series documentary) Herself 1993 CBS This Morning (TV Series) Herself 1993 Jerry Springer (TV Series) Herself 1990 Hard Copy (TV Series) Herself 1985 Our Time (TV Series) Herself 1985 Elvis: Memories (Video documentary) Herself 1984 Hee Haw (TV Series) Herself 1967-1968 The Linkletter Show (TV Series) Herself 1966-1967 Password All-Stars (TV Series) Herself - Celebrity Contestant - Steven Hill vs. Donna Douglas (1966) ... Herself - Celebrity Contestant 1967 Go!!!

(TV Movie) 1966 Hollywood Talent Scouts (TV Series) Herself 2015 Entertainment Tonight (TV Series) Herself 2015 Inside Edition (TV Series documentary) Herself Single: "He's So Near" / "Turn Around" (Arlen Records) Publicity Listings: 1 Interview | 14 Articles | 9 Pictorials | 10 Magazine Cover Photos | See more » Alternate Names: Did You Know? Personal Quote: [death bed message to Max Baer Jr. ] Tell Maxie I thought I was going to get better. See more » Trivia: Donna Douglas performed as a gospel singer and wrote the book, "Miss Donna's Mulberry Acres Farm", which was published in 2011. Also that year, she sued Mattel, claiming that the toy manufacturer used her name and likeness for a Barbie doll, without her approval. The suit reportedly was settled. Earlier, she sued Disney, CAA, Whoopi Goldberg and others, claiming that the idea for the 1992 smash ...

See more » Trademark: Platinum blonde hair See more » Star Sign: Donna Douglas, 'Beverly Hillbillies' Elly May, dead - CNN.com Donna Douglas played Elly May Clampett for nine years Actress was also in a famed "Twilight Zone" episode She never minded being identified with Elly May (CNN) Donna Douglas, who played voluptuous tomboy daughter Elly May Clampett on the 1960s TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies," has died. She was 81. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, TV station WAFB, a CNN affiliate, reported that Douglas died Friday morning . Douglas lived in Zachary, Louisiana. Her assistant, Jeffrey Dalrymple, confirmed her passing to CNN. Douglas spent nine years as Elly May, one of the main characters of the hugely popular "Beverly Hillbillies." The series concerned a poor Ozark family who stumbled upon an oil fortune and then moved to the Southern California bastion of wealth, where their rural ways often clashed with the local swells -- particularly Margaret Drysdale, the wife of the man who ran the bank where the Clampetts kept their money.

The cast of "The Beverly Hillbillies": Clockwise from top, Buddy Ebsen, Max Baer Jr., Irene Ryan and Donna Douglas. The other characters were Elly May's subtly wise father, Jed Clampett (Buddy Ebsen); her feisty grandmother Daisy (Irene Ryan); and her cousin Jethro Bodine (Max Baer Jr.), forever chasing women and fame. Read More In some ways, Douglas -- who was born Dorothy Smith -- was a natural for the role. She was from a small town, Pride, Louisiana, and was a genuine tomboy. Her official website says she spent her childhood "climbing trees, swinging on vines (and) playing football, basketball, and softball with her older brother and all her boy cousins." She also loved animals, a character trait she indulged on the show. A beauty queen, she moved to New York in the late '50s and attracted attention as a model and for her appearances as Perry Como's "Letters Girl." She had some small roles in films and bigger ones on TV series, including a memorable "Twilight Zone" episode, "Eye of the Beholder." But it was "The Beverly Hillbillies" that made her a star.

At its peak in the early '60s, the show was the most popular on television, drawing stratospheric ratings seldom equaled by episodic television, despite criticism from reviewers who disliked its broad humor. In fact, a number of 1964 episodes still rank among the most-watched TV shows (non-Super Bowl division) of all time. However, Douglas found it hard to break away from Elly May. Her only starring movie role was in "Frankie and Johnny," a 1966 Elvis Presley vehicle. She and the King did become friendly, bonding over a shared interest in spiritual subjects, according to a website dedicated to Presley's female co-stars . Douglas worked sporadically after "Hillbillies" was canceled in 1971, with the Internet Movie Database listing roles in "Night Gallery," "Love, American Style" and "Adam-12," among others. But she mainly devoted herself to singing and personal appearances. However, she never regretted her claim to fame.

"Today the role of Elly May has been a beautiful opportunity, a wonderful little door opener for me to share my heart with others, whether speaking in churches, ladies conferences, youth groups, schools, conventions, and various civic organizations, or one on one," her website bio said. "Amazing what God can do with a life, if given the opportunity!" Douglas was married twice and is survived by a son, Danny Bourgeois. The Beverly Hillbillies (1993) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error A feature adaptation of the classic TV show, when nice guy redneck Jed Clampett strikes it rich when he finds black oil, and moves he and his kin to posh Beverly Hills.

Director: a list of 30 titles created 03 Nov 2011 a list of 45 titles created 16 May 2012 a list of 23 titles created 20 Feb 2013 a list of 28 titles created 10 Mar 2013 a list of 33 titles created 23 Jul 2013 Title: The Beverly Hillbillies (1993) 4.9/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. A nouveau riche hillbilly family moves to Beverly Hills and shakes up the privileged society with their hayseed ways. Stars: Buddy Ebsen, Donna Douglas, Irene Ryan Buffoonish Ernest and his dimwitted pal Abner unearth a huge cannon reputed to contain the crown jewels of England. Director: John R. Cherry III Stars: Jim Varney, Ron James, Tom Butler Bumbling Ernest P. Worrell is assigned to jury duty, where a crooked lawyer notices a resemblance with crime boss Mr. Nash, and arranges a switch.

Nash assumes Ernest's job as a bank ... See full summary » Director: John R. Cherry III Stars: Jim Varney, Gailard Sartain, Bill Byrge Ernest joins the Army reserves so he can drive the bigrigs, but ends up being sent into combat! Director: John R. Cherry III Stars: Jim Varney, Hayley Tyson, David Müller Jim Varney's recurring dim-bulb character Ernest P. Worrell returns in this film as a school maintenance man seeking to obtain a high school diploma. Director: Coke Sams A group of juvenile criminals is sent for vacation to Kamp Kikakee. The clumsy Ernest has to care for them, although he doesn't even know how to take care of himself. The other children at ... See full summary » Director: John R. Cherry III Stars: Jim Varney, Victoria Racimo, John Vernon Hey, Vern. Ernest is on Saturday morning. The series follows Ernest, and several other colorful characters having all sorts of wacky fun. Stars: Bruce Arntson, Mac Bennett, Daniel Butler Ernest unleashes an ugly troll that plots to transform children into wooden dolls in the town of Briarville, Missouri. Director: John R.

Cherry III Stars: Jim Varney, Eartha Kitt, Austin Nagler The title says it all. There's a mix up involving stolen diamonds which Ernest has (naturally) made into a yo-yo and given to his would be girlfriend, Rene. But Rene wants a man of action, ... See full summary » Director: John R. Cherry III Stars: Jim Varney, Linda Kash, Jamie Bartlett Ernest helps Santa Claus as he searches for his successor. Director: John R. Cherry III Stars: Jim Varney, Douglas Seale, Oliver Clark Ernest P. Worrell becomes a basketball star after an angel bearing an uncanny resemblance to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar gives him a pair of magic sneakers. Director: John R. Cherry III Stars: Jim Varney, Cylk Cozart, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Edit Storyline Jed Clampett and kin move from Arkansas to Beverly Hills when he becomes a billionaire, after an oil strike. The country folk are very naive with regard to life in the big city, so when Jed starts a search for a new wife there are inevitably plenty of takers and con artists ready to make a fast buck. Written by Rob Hartill The day they moved in...

Beverly Hills moved out. See more » Genres: Rated PG for some off-color humor | See all certifications » Parents Guide: 15 October 1993 (USA) See more » Also Known As: Los Beverly ricos See more » Filming Locations: Did You Know? Trivia Buddy Ebsen played Jed Clampett for 9 years on the TV version of The Beverly Hillbillies (1962), then played the title character of Barnaby Jones (1973) for 7 years - and returns in the latter role in this movie. See more » Goofs During the scene where the whole family is first driving into Beverly Hills, in the scene where they wave hello, the camera crew can be seen in the reflection of some of the cars. See more » Quotes Jed Clampett : [a motorists has pulled a pistol on the Clampetts] That's real cute, son. This here's what I carry [pulls out a huge shotgun] Outtakes play over the end credits.

See more » Connections Written by Joe Walsh , Joe Vitale , Kenny Passarelli (as Ken Passarelli), and Rocke Grace Courtesy of MCA Records (United States) – See all my reviews What a wonderful, silly, entertaining movie! Diedrich Bader is especially hilarious as Jethro/Jethrine, but everyone in this movie is funny. The Clampetts are great. They are the kind of people that one should have as friends. Not only are they nice, they will treat you as a friend. Jim Varney was perfect as Jed and we cannot forget mentioning Dabney Coleman whose performance as usual added to the humor. This is an unpretentious, humorous, entertaining movie and the kind of movie that is not only watchable but provokes nonstop laughter. This special movie compares favorably with the sitcom. Both are humorous without being nasty and both show that nice people can actually finish first. If you enjoy nonstop laughs then this movie is for you. 10 of 17 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes Donna Douglas, Elly May Clampett on ‘Beverly Hillbillies,’ Dies at 81 | Variety Donna Douglas, Elly May Clampett on ‘Beverly Hillbillies,’ Dies at 81 SGranitz/WireImage January 2, 2015 | 11:28AM PT Donna Douglas, who played the ditsy Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” died Friday at her home in Zachary, La., according to a report by CBS affiliate WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, La. She was 81. Douglas starred as the naive only daughter of the oil-rich Clampett clan in the CBS sitcom that ran from 1962 to 1971. Buddy Ebsen played patriarch Jed Clampett, who moves his family from the Ozarks to Beverly Hills after stumbling into oil riches. Douglas’ Elly May was known for her love of all kinds of “critters,” as well as for her shapely figure, form-fitting jeans and cascade of blond curls.

The actress was a series regular throughout the run of the top-rated show, which was the first in a triptych of corny countrified sitcoms from creator Paul Henning that included “Petticoat Junction” and “Green Acres.” Elly May’s love of “critters” was inspired by Douglas’ real-life affection for animals, having grown up on her grandparents’ farm in rural Louisiana. As a teenager, Douglas moved into acting after winning several beauty pageants in her home state. She was crowned Miss Baton Rouge and Miss New Orleans in 1957, according to WAFB. She moved to New York to pursue acting and landed work as a model, in TV commercials and finally bit parts on “The Perry Como Show” and “The Steve Allen Show.” Douglas logged a slew of TV guest shots in the late 1950s and early ’60s before landing on “Beverly Hillbillies.” She did everything from “Bachelor Father” to “Route 66” and “77 Sunset Strip” to two episodes of “The Twilight Zone.” The first of those was the standout “Eye of the Beholder,” a commentary on conformity and ideals of beauty.

Douglas’ face was covered in bandages for most of the episode until she is revealed at the end as despondent because her latest medical treatment did not give her the pig-like snout and other disfigurements considered attractive in the fantasy realm of the episode penned by series creator Rod Serling. During the run of “Hillbillies,” Douglas had a guest shot on the gritty CBS legal drama “The Defenders.” She co-starred with Elvis Presley in the 1966 pic “Frankie and Johnny.” After “Hillbillies” ended, Douglas guested on another Serling series, “Night Gallery,” and was seen in episodes of “McMillan and Wife,” “Love, American Style,” “Adam-12” and “Project UFO.” But her acting career was on the wane by the mid-1970s. She turned her focus to music and the Christian media marketplace, recording several gospel albums and writing children’s books. In recent decades she was mostly seen onscreen in “Beverly Hillbillies” revival projects, including 1981 telepic “The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies,” and in vintage TV retrospectives and events.

She made an appearance as herself on the CBS’ sitcom “The Nanny” in 1999. Survivors include a son. Donna Douglas dies; actress played Elly May on 'Beverly Hillbillies' - LA Times Donna Douglas dies; actress played Elly May on 'Beverly Hillbillies' Donna Douglas CBS Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images Donna Douglas played Elly May Clampett and Buddy Ebsen played her father, Jed, on "The Beverly Hillbillies." "I loved doing Elly May," Douglas said. Donna Douglas played Elly May Clampett and Buddy Ebsen played her father, Jed, on "The Beverly Hillbillies." "I loved doing Elly May," Douglas said. (CBS Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images) Claire Noland Donna Douglas, who played Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” dies in Louisiana Donna Douglas, a Louisiana beauty queen turned actress who tapped into her poor Southern roots for the role of Elly May Clampett in the long-running TV sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies," has died. Her age was variously reported as 81 or 82.

Douglas died of pancreatic cancer Thursday in Baton Rouge, La., her niece Charlene Smith told the Associated Press. The show — about the down-home Clampetts who strike it rich with an Ozarks oil well and move to California — became an immediate hit when it began airing on CBS in 1962. It starred Buddy Ebsen as patriarch Jed, Irene Ryan as Granny, Max Baer Jr. as Jethro and Douglas as Elly May, a buxom tomboy character who had curly blond pigtails, wore gingham and blue jeans and loved her "critters." It was far from a stretch for Douglas, who was born "way out in the country, outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana," she told the Toronto Star in 1988. "I really am a country girl....

My folks were real poor." After winning beauty contests in her home state, Douglas headed to New York City in the mid-1950s in search of modeling jobs and wound up on television as a billboard girl on "The Steve Allen Show." She took acting lessons and landed a few parts in other TV series before writer and producer Paul Henning asked her if she thought she'd be right for his new show, "The Beverly Hillbillies." Donna Douglas, who starred as Elly May Clampett in the 1960s' sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies," died in Louisiana on Thursday. "I just looked at him and grinned," Douglas told AP Hollywood reporter Bob Thomas in 1965. "Could I handle Elly May? Why, it was just like my own life." She had to retrieve the Southern accent she had tried to lose, and she had no trouble with the dogs, skunks, mountain lion, chimpanzee and other animals Elly May adored on the series. "I loved doing Elly May," the actress would recall. "And, of course, 'The Beverly Hillbillies' was a story about the American dream.

No matter who tried to slicker us or take advantage of us, we always came out on top. We were never the losers. We set a good example." Notable Deaths Photos of leaders, stars and other notable figures who died in 2014. Douglas' other TV appearances included a memorable 1960 "Twilight Zone" episode, "Eye of the Beholder," with a "before and after" storyline about a woman who undergoes multiple operations to change her appearance. Actress Maxine Stuart played the patient under wraps and Douglas had the "revealed" part. She also landed a few movie parts, highlighted by a starring role opposite Elvis Presley in the 1966 riverboat musical "Frankie and Johnny." After "The Beverly Hillbillies" ended in 1971, Douglas had a few other acting jobs and worked in real estate. Eventually she moved back to Louisiana and in her later years sang gospel music and gave inspirational speeches to church congregations and Christian organizations. In 2011 she settled a lawsuit with Mattel Inc. and CBS Consumer Products after she argued they hadn't sought her permission to create an Elly May Barbie doll using her image.

"The Beverly Hillbillies" remained popular with TV viewers in reruns years after original episodes aired, and Douglas traveled widely to meet fans of the show. "The two questions I get all the time are, can I really whistle, and do I really love animals," Douglas told USA Today in 1993. "The answer is yes to both." Douglas, who was married and divorced twice, is survived by a son, Danny P. Bourgeois, according to the Associated Press. 'Beverly Hillbillies' star Donna Douglas dies at 82 'Beverly Hillbillies' star Donna Douglas dies at 82 'Beverly Hillbillies' star Donna Douglas, who played Elly May Clampett, is dead at 82. Post to Facebook 'Beverly Hillbillies' star Donna Douglas dies at 82 'Beverly Hillbillies' star Donna Douglas, who played Elly May Clampett, is dead at 82. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

127 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs 'Beverly Hillbillies' star Donna Douglas dies at 82 Maria Puente , USA TODAY Published 2:32 p.m. ET Jan. 2, 2015 | Updated 5:21 p.m. ET Jan. 2, 2015 Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Donna Douglas, the voluptuous Louisiana-born actress who played critter-loving Elly May Clampett on the 1960's CBS series 'The Beverly Hillbillies" died on New Years day. CBS The Clampett clan was made up ofclockwise from lower left, Elly Mae, played by Douglas, Granny, (Irene Ryan, 1902-1973,) Jethro, (Max Baer Jr. born 1937) and Buddy Ebsen, (1908 - 2003.) Viacom Daniels costarred, as Frankie, with Elvis Presley in the 1966 motion picture "Frankie and Johnny." United Artists/The Kobal Collect Douglas starred in the Nov.

1, 1960 "Twilight Zone" episode "Eye of the Beholder." Written by Rod Serling, Douglas was patient Janet Tyler who was to be made beautiful, i.e. pig-like, by William D. Gordon as the doctor. CBS via Getty Images In 2011 Douglas, sued toy manufacturer Mattel Inc., claiming the company used her name and likeness for a Barbie doll without her authorization. The suit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. Bill Haber, AP Mississippi State coach Sharon Fanning-Otis, standing, shouts instructions to her players as guest coach Douglas, left seated, watches during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Feb. 28, 2010, in Baton Rouge, La. Bill Feig, AP Donna Douglas embraced her role as Elly May Clampett saying the character was like a slice out of her own life. CBS via Getty Images Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay Donna Douglas, who starred in 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' in January 2009.

(Photo: Bill Haber, AP) Donna Douglas, who played hillbilly bombshell Elly May Clampett on the baby-boomer-beloved 1960s sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, has died. She was 82. Charlene Smith, her niece-in-law, confirmed Friday to USA TODAY that she died of pancreatic cancer on New Year's Day at Baton Rouge General Hospital, near her home in Zachary, La. The Baton Rouge paper, The Advocate and other media outlets, including local TV station WAFB , also confirmed her death, although most put her age at 81. "She was 82," Smith said firmly, adding jokingly, "She's going to haunt me for that." Douglas' death leaves only one member of the show's original cast still alive: Max Baer Jr., who played Elly May's cousin, Jethro. He is 77. "She was Elly May until the day she died," Baer told the website RumorFix .

"When I saw her for autograph signings or other gatherings, she always dressed the same with pink or blue" and of course those signature pigtails." He said he last saw Douglas in January 2013 for an autograph signing in Los Angeles. He said she had pancreatic cancer for the last months of her life. "But she was a very private person — nothing like me." A friend told him Donna had a message for him: "Tell Maxie I thought I was going to get better." Smith described Douglas as a "very good Christian lady. We all loved her," she said. "Whenever she gave presents, they always came with (passages) from Scripture." Douglas, a former Miss Baton Rouge and Miss New Orleans, was born in Pride, La., and returned to live in Zachary, after her time in Hollywood, to be near her only child, son Danny Bourgeois. She is survived by him, by three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one brother and other extended family members, Smith said. She was married and divorced twice, including the second time, to The Beverly Hillbillies director, Robert Leeds. Smith said the family plans a private funeral.

Douglas grew up in Pride and attended a local Catholic high school, where she played softball and basketball, and was a member of the school's first graduating class. But she'll always be known as Elly May — the tomboy-but-sweetly sexy blond Clampett daughter who never seemed to be aware of her effect on men, and who referred to their Beverly Hills mansion swimming pool as the "SEE-ment pond." In many ways, she was Elly May, with her own real-life rags-to-riches story. "Oh, yeah, it was just like a slice out of my life," she told The Advocate in an interview a few years ago." I knew everything about Elly." And she didn't mind the association, either. "So many kinds of people relate to Elly May," Douglas said, according to the Associated Press.

"So many people love her, and that means a lot to me." Douglas also will be remembered as co-starring opposite Elvis Presley in the 1966 film Frankie and Johnny, and for an especially creepy Twilight Zone episode, "The Eye of the Beholder." The Beverly Hillbillies was a classic fish-out-of water comedy about a poor backwoods Ozark family transplanted to California after striking oil ("black gold" as the banjo-inflected theme song went) on their land. Starring Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett (he died in 2003) and Irene Ryan (she died in 1973) as Granny, the show ran for nine years on CBS, from 1962 to 1971. It consistently ranked in the top most-watched programs on TV during its run, even though critics didn't care for it. After Hillbillies ended, Douglas worked in real estate, recorded country and gospel music albums and wrote a book for children that drew on biblical themes. In 2010 she sued CBS and toymaker Mattel seeking some of the proceeds from sales of a Barbie doll that used Elly May's name and likeness.

The suit was settled in 2011. To this day, many boomers can sing the theme song by heart. But even some non-boomers expressed appreciation on Twitter at the news of Douglas' death. Loved #BeverlyHillbillies & loved Donna Douglas ... RIP Miss Douglas 111060 CONNECT TWEET 15 LINKEDIN 127 COMMENTEMAILMORE Read or Share this story: NEVER MISS OUT Life Be a pop culture maven. Get the news, reviews and the juiciest celebrity stories that keep you in the know, Monday-Friday.

Donna Douglas, who played Elly May Clampett in 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' dies | News | theadvocate.com Donna Douglas, who played Elly May Clampett in 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' dies Louisiana native known for spirituality, love of animals BY JOHN WIRT and ANDREA GALLO jwirt@theadvocate.com agallo@theadvocate.com Jan 8, 2015 - 5:16 am (…) Baton Rouge's own Donna Douglas, signs an autograph for a fan of her hit television series "The Beverly Hillbillies" in this March 1966 file photo. Douglas was visiting Baton Rouge for the premiere of her film with Elvis Presley, "Frankie and Johnny," which was shown at the Gordon Theater on N. 4th Street. (Advocate Staff Photo) Photo provided by Mary Guillot Broussard -- Dot Smith/Donna Douglas, standing fourth from left, as a member of the St. Gerard (Redemptorist) softball team circa 1950. Photo provided by Mary Guillot Broussard, standing at left.

ORG XMIT: r0wYG1xqw3eo5zbMatkk From left to right, actors Irene Ryan as Granny, Max Baer Jr. as Jethro, and Donna Douglas as Elly May are shown on the set of the television series "The Beverly Hillbillies," in Los Angeles, May 7, 1963. (AP Photo/David F. Smith) Advocate file photo by ERBY AUCOIN -- Feb. 21, 1958. Dot Bourgeois won the bathing suit and evening dress competition of the Miss Capitol City pageant. Bourgeois won the final round to become "Miss Capitol City" and became the state contestant in the Miss U.S.A. and Miss Universe competitions. She is perhaps best known for her movie and television roles as Donna Douglas. The cast of the television sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies." Shown, standing from left to right, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas and Bea Benaderet; seated, Buddy Ebsen, July 19, 1962, in Los Angeles.

(AP Photo) Photograph by JOHN WIRT Actress Donna Douglas -- aka Elly May Clampett of "The Beverly Hillbillies" -- is shown in this 1999 Advocate file photo. Donna Douglas Baton Rouge's own Donna Douglas -- Ellie May Clampett of "The Beverly Hillbillies" fame -- does a takeoff on Ellie May for the benefit of the audience at the Louisiana Municipal Association convention in this March 1966 file photo. (Advocate file photo by JOHN BOSS) Donna Douglas Donna Douglas, the Pride native who rose to television fame as the critter-loving, effervescent Elly May Clampett in the hit 1960s sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies,” has died. Charlene Smith, who was married to Douglas’ nephew, confirmed that the former actress died on New Year’s Day at Baton Rouge General Hospital. She was 82. Smith said Douglas, or Aunt Dot as her family called her, was known for her strong Christian faith and her love of animals — a personality trait she shared with her TV character. Douglas was born as Doris Smith and raised on a farm between Pride and Baywood.

She attended the school that became Redemptorist High School in north Baton Rouge. Married at 17 and soon divorced, she moved to New York, leaving her young son with her family in Louisiana. In New York, Douglas attended a casting call for a game show letter-turning girl. In 2006, she told The Advocate that she didn’t get the job because she wouldn’t “show herself” in a bathing suit. Douglas subsequently got jobs on “The Perry Como Show,” “The Steve Allen Show” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Her early acting work includes the 1959 films “Li’l Abner,” a musical, and, with Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine, the drama “Career.” The actress’ role of a lifetime, Elly May in “The Beverly Hillbillies,” began in 1962. Douglas played the beautiful daughter of Buddy Ebsen’s mountain patriarch, Jed Clampett. An oil strike on the family’s property in the Ozarks enabled Elly and her entire clan, including Irene Ryan’s Granny and Max Baer Jr.’s Jethro Bodine, to move to a mansion in Beverly Hills.

“It was the American dream,” Douglas told The Advocate in 1999. “You see, here are these little down-and-out people that had nothing. Everybody latches onto that.” A satirical fish-out-of-water sitcom, the show placed the backwoods Clampetts among the tony denizens of Beverly Hills. But rather than Elly, her uneducated Pa and the home-remedy brewing Granny looking like fools, the southern California characters the family met — including rich folks, movie stars, rock ’n’ roll stars and beatniks — ended up being the butt of the jokes. “Our show had wonderful principles,” Douglas said. “I mean, people talk about values. The hillbillies had wonderful values. We (Elly and Jethro) had to respect Granny and Pa. We loved the critters. We would try to help our neighbors. No matter who tried to slicker us, take advantage of us, we always came out on top.” The show, which ran for nine years, was an instant hit. Ranking No. 1 through its first two seasons, it drew as many as 60 million viewers each week.

Elly May’s move from humble beginnings to Beverly Hills paralleled Douglas’ own Louisiana-to-Hollywood story. Douglas related to the fictional rags-to-riches tale. “Oh, yeah, it was just like a slice out of my life,” she told The Advocate prior to a 1999 singing and speaking engagement at the Old South Jamboree in Walker. “In my case, I knew everything about Elly,” she said. “The only direction they ever gave me was when I started to talk. They said you have to talk faster than that or won’t anybody get on that camera but you in a half-hour. Coming from Baton Rouge,” Douglas explained, slowing her speech to a Louisiana crawl, “you talk — just — about — like — that. And they said, ‘Cut, you gotta talk faster than that.’ And that was the only direction. They never did have to tell me anything about Elly, how she’d behave in certain circumstances. Now, I knew her, and that’s the dream of an actor, to know a character that well.” Before her big break, Douglas had TV guest spots on other programs, from “Mr.

Ed” to “The Twilight Zone.” In the midst of her “Beverly Hillbillies” stardom, she co-starred with Elvis Presley in his 1966 film “Frankie and Johnny.” Douglas acted sporadically following “The Beverly Hillbillies” cancellation in 1971. In the 1990s, she traveled throughout the U.S. and the world, giving inspirational talks at churches, trade shows, banquets and for ladies groups and youth groups. She also appeared at parades and festivals. She recorded gospel albums and penned books, including “Donna’s Critters & Kids: Children’s Stories with a Bible Touch” and a cookbook called “Southern Favorites With a Taste of Hollywood.” Charlene Smith recalled that Douglas, who returned to live in Baton Rouge in the mid-2000s, was “always happy, always beautiful.” “You always saw her with all her makeup on,” Smith said. “She never looked her age.” Just this Christmas, Smith said Douglas gave her a Bible that she’d signed. She said she was known to sign gifts with Scripture verses before giving them to others.

Douglas is survived by her son Danny Bourgeois, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one brother and many nieces and nephews, Smith said. She enjoyed great health until a few months ago, Smith said. The family is holding a private service on Monday and is requesting privacy until then. Donna Douglas, who played Elly May in 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' dies - LA Times Donna Douglas, who played Elly May in 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' dies Donna Douglas Los Angeles Times Donna Douglas, in her most famous role as Elly May Clampett in the "The Beverly Hillbillies," died in Louisiana. Donna Douglas, in her most famous role as Elly May Clampett in the "The Beverly Hillbillies," died in Louisiana. (Los Angeles Times) James Queally Contact Reporter Donna Douglas, famed Beverly Hillbillies actress, has died in Louisiana Donna Douglas , who starred as Elly May Clampett in the 1960s sitcom " The Beverly Hillbillies ," died in Louisiana on Thursday.

Her niece told the Associated Press that Douglas died in Baton Rouge, La., near her hometown of Zachary, and a spokeswoman for the East Baton Rouge Parish coroner's office also confirmed her death to the Los Angeles Times. Read the full Times obituary: Donna Douglas dies The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, Charlene Smith said. Her age was variously reported as 81 or 82. Douglas played Elly May, the naive but lovable daughter of Jed Clampett, who lived to take care of her "critters" in the famed CBS sitcom, which ran from 1962 to 1971. "The Beverly Hillbillies" chronicled the fish-out-of-water tale of the Clampetts' move from the Ozarks to Beverly Hills after the family struck oil. Donna Douglas, who starred as Elly May Clampett in the 1960s' sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies," died in Louisiana on Thursday. Douglas starred in one of the most iconic scenes in the science-fiction series "The Twilight Zone." Douglas' longtime agent, Jacqueline Stander, described the actress as a "country angel." "She was a sweetheart," Stander said.

"She used to go around and talk at churches and stuff the last few years of her life, and just speak of God and love.” Douglas had been living in Louisiana for a number of years, and spent the last few years of her life making personal appearances in the area, Stander said. "Last time Donna and I spoke she was fine and just as spry and of God as she usually is. I always got a kick talking with her. She was Elly May, just an older version and as sweet as can be," she told The Times. Follow @ JamesQueallyLAT for breaking news Donna Douglas, ‘Elly May Clampett’, Has Passed Away At Age 82 Donna Douglas, ‘Elly May Clampett’, Has Passed Away At Age 82 By Randy McDaniel January 2, 2015 5:00 PM (Photo by Sebastian Artz/Getty Images) According to the Associated Press, Actress Donna Douglas has passed away. (AP) – The actress who portrayed the pretty tomboy, Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” has died. Donna Douglas was 82 years old. She died Thursday from pancreatic cancer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which is where she had lived.

Douglas appeared in commercials and TV shows in the 1950s, but was best known for her role in “The Beverly Hillbillies,” a 1960s sitcom about a backwoods Tennessee family who moved to Beverly Hills after striking it rich from oil. In 2009, Douglas told The Associated Press that she enjoyed working on her son’s farm in Louisiana, cutting grass and baling hay. Here’s the original story when she celebrated her 80th birthday: So many of us of a, uh, certain age grew up with Granny, Jed, Jethro and Jed. Then of course there was Mr. Drysdale, Miss Hathaway and all those critters! “The Beverly Hillbillies” became a staple in our house as we watched the shenanigans of the Clampetts in their Beverly Hills mansion. Ol Jed became a millionaire when “Black Gold, Texas Tea” was discovered on this land back in “them thar hills”. So it was off to California. Jed is gone now. Actor Buddy Ebsen died in 2003 at the ripe old age of 95.

Granny (Irene Ryan) passed away too young, back in 1973, at the age of 70. Max Baer Jr. played Jethro and is 74 years old. Did you know his Dad was a World Boxing Champion? And believe it or not, the lovely Ellie May Clampett is having a birthday September 26th. I first remember seeing Donna Douglas on an episode of “The Twilight Zone”. (Remember the episode where the young woman has plastic surgery, and it doesn’t work…she stays beautiful while the rest of the world is facially deformed?). Donna Douglas is now 80 years old. Somehow it kind of makes you feel old, right? The Ellie May in her swimsuit by the “cement pond” is 80. Happy birthday Donna,or Ellie May. And thank you so much for the great memories! Of course, the Hillbillies will never die. Check your TV, they’re on there somewhere and always will be!

Question: Who played Ellie May in the Beverley Hillbillies?
Answer: Donna Douglas